Future of Augsburg's Thalia Cinema Secured: LILIOM's Operators Take Over the Historic Venue

The historic Thalia Cinema on Obstmarkt has a promising long-term future. As part of the insolvency proceedings for ARB Kino GmbH, the insolvency administrator Christian Plail of SGP Schneider Geiwitz Restrukturierung has succeeded in finding an ideal partner for the takeover. A purchase agreement has been concluded with the operators of the LILIOM Cinema in Augsburg—Bergauer & Hehl KG—to ensure the continued operation of the Thalia Cinema as well as the restaurant in the same building. The handover date is March 1, 2026. The creditors’ committee approved this agreement today. Of particular delight to the staff is that, as part of this solution, all employees will be retained by the new buyer.

Continuation of cultural activities and the restaurant industry

The new owners are committed to continuity and quality. “The Thalia is a beloved, long-standing movie theater with an excellent location and a large, loyal customer base that we are very much looking forward to serving,” explain Liliom operators Daniela Bergauer and Michael Hehl. The food service areas in the building will be subleased. During the transition phase, operations will continue without interruption in both the cinema and the food service areas, so visitors need not worry about any disruptions. The buyers emphasize: “We want to continue offering a high-quality program at the Thalia Cinema and are very much looking forward to this new challenge in the heart of the city.”

A sustainable model for the future

The process of saving the cinema was intense. “We are very pleased with this solution, as it has paved the way for the future of this important cultural venue,” says insolvency administrator Christian Plail. The takeover by experienced cinema operators from the region was considered the ideal solution for the proceedings. “We have found a viable model for the future. Thanks to the excellent cooperation of everyone involved, from the on-site team to the partners, operations were able to continue uninterrupted throughout the entire process,” Plail added. This was also due to the tremendous dedication of the staff.

A cultural landmark with a rich history

Saving the Thalia is of great importance to the city of Augsburg, as it is one of Bavaria’s oldest permanent movie theaters. Its roots date back to 1907, when the former concert hall of the “Café National” was converted into the “Thalia Theater with Cinematograph.” Over the decades, the venue shaped the evolution from silent film to digital projection, becoming a landmark deeply rooted in the city’s community.

Strategic Realignment Under New Leadership

With the arrival of the LILIOM operators, a new chapter is now beginning in the theater’s more than 100-year history. The new owners’ expertise in the art-house cinema sector is intended to ensure that the Thalia maintains its role as a sophisticated gathering place for film enthusiasts while also achieving financial stability.